This week the Greens' Queensland Senators, MPs and Councillors have been working around the clock to provide information, fill sandbags, distribute emergency kits, and knock on doors in communities susceptible to damage and flooding to offer assistance.
However, the Greens say while keeping communities safe right now is their number one priority, we must listen to the climate scientists who this week are warning that the climate crisis is supercharging catastrophic weather events, including tropical cyclones.
The Australian Greens are working with communities to prepare for the impact of Cyclone Alfred as they call for stronger climate action to prevent future climate disasters.
Globally we have just sweated through our hottest year on record, with annual sea surface temperatures for the Australian region their warmest on record.
Marine heatwaves accelerate evaporation, and can intensify storms and cyclones.
Climate change is also increasing the destructive power of tropical cyclones, including the windspeed, rainfall and rapid intensification, as well as coastal flooding from storm surges that are more destructive as a result of rising sea levels.
Warming oceans are also increasing the likelihood of cyclones shifting further south, like this cyclone.
Meanwhile coal and gas companies are reaping massive profits while increasing others' misery.
To prevent these climate disasters from becoming more frequent and intense, the Greens say governments must take stronger climate action, which means no new coal and gas.
As stated by Leader of the Australian Greens, Adam Bandt MP:
"Please listen to the authorities and if you need help, reach out.
"All our elected representatives in Queensland are focused on helping their communities prepare, and it's right that federal and state governments are doing the same. Right now everyone needs to listen to the authorities to stay safe, and that includes governments listening to the climate scientists.
"As we hope for the best and prepare for the worst, the priority right now is making sure people are as ready as possible to deal with this cyclone that was supercharged by coal and gas. Over 30 new coal and gas projects have been approved in this Parliament alone, which is just making it harder for us all to prepare and protect people. More coal and gas puts more people in more danger.
"Governments need to be helping people right now, but they also need to stop approving the coal and gas mines that are making these disasters worse.
"Governments have a responsibility to keep people safe - now and in the future."
